Farrier Bloghttps://farriery.com
Farrier info, advice and insightsThu, 05 Oct 2017 17:42:24 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/https://secure.gravatar.com/blavatar/97ab5f0ce3a6a33749c408c59a9c92c6?s=96&d=https%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.pngFarrier Bloghttps://farriery.com
A “Good” man of many talentshttps://farriery.com/2017/08/03/a-good-man-of-many-talents/
Thu, 03 Aug 2017 02:19:49 +0000http://farriery.com/?p=1279Continue reading "A “Good” man of many talents"]]>Taranaki-based farrier, Andrew (Jock) Good has been shoeing horses of all ages, shapes and sizes for over 39 years. However, it hasn’t just been 39 years of nailing shoes on feet day in day out, for the man known by his friends and family as Jock. From bull riding to training Group One winning racehorses, Jock’s done all sorts of incredible things alongside his farriery career. We caught up with this well-known personality in the farrier industry and recently appointed president of the New Zealand Farrier’s Association to find out his story.

Jock’s been shoeing horses for 39 years, but has no plans to give it up any time soon.

Jock’s involvement with horses goes back much further than the 39 years he’s worked as a farrier. Growing up on a dairy farm in Hunterville, with a jockey turned sharemilker father, Jock was first introduced to horses at age five, when his father arrived home with a two-year-old unbroken pony called Gypsy in the back of his car.

“My old man bought the pony at a horse sale at Fordell in Wanganui,” explains Jock. “He took the back seat out of his brand new Vauxhall Velox and put the pony in the back to get it home, can you imagine putting a pony in a brand new car these days?”

After his father had done the breaking in, Jock learnt to ride on Gypsy, sharing the pony with his two younger brothers and younger sister. The only one of the siblings to show a strong interest, Jock progressed to Pony Club and competitive show jumping and eventing.

“I started pony club at about nine or 10 year’s old and did a bit of everything. I had what was called an A-grade pony in show jumping and rode competitively in eventing too. I was captain of the Waikato Pony Club champs team twice.”

Given his involvement and love of horses, a farriery apprenticeship seemed the most suitable path when the time came for him to leave school and take up a trade. Jock’s parents had relocated to Taranaki from Hunterville during his childhood, and the farrier’s apprenticeship he ended up taking was with Graham Jones in the small town of Pio Pio, a couple of hours drive north of Taranaki.

“I would have been happy to milk cows, but my parents wanted me to do a trade and everyone looks at a farrier and thinks they are a millionaire because of how much they charge and that’s where I ended up,” he laughs. “I remember them driving me up to start on Waitangi Day in 1978.”

At the end of his 3 and ½ year apprenticeship, Jock didn’t go straight to full time shoeing, instead taking on a daring new sport.

“In the early 80s I went into rodeo, competing in saddle broncs and bull riding for a couple of years. I just missed out on the Rookie Title one year.”

However, at 21, a great opportunity came knocking when Jock was offered the chance to take over Graham’s business on his retirement. He packed in the rodeo and moved back to Pio Pio.

Back in New Zealand King Country, running Graham’s business, most of his work was shoeing farm hacks, and when motorbikes started being used more in place of horses in 1985, Jock says there were less farm hacks around and business slowed down. Consequently, the following year Jock and his new wife Helen, who he had met as a teenager through horses and married in 1985, made the decision to go back to Taranaki for Jock to start a job with top racehorse trainer, John Wheeler.

“We worked together for about eight years training racehorses, with 18 months in partnership together. I did a lot of breaking in and starting of young horses while still shoeing part time on the side.”

Jock holds a horse at John Wheeler’s stables where he worked in the late 80s and early 90s training racehorses.

Jock had a hand in the career of several successful horses that were in the stable during that time, including Poetic Prince who won the Cox Plate in 1988 and Rough Habit who won 29 races and over $5 million in prize money in his career.

In the years Jock worked in racing, he and Helen welcomed both of their children Shaun (30) and Kate (27) to the world and bought their family home and property in Inglewood, just South of New Plymouth, where they still live today.

“Kate rode occasionally, but never competitively, and I put Shaun on a pony I was breaking in when he was little, it went under a plum tree and swiped him off, he never rode again!” says Jock.

Even though they’ve never needed the space to keep a pony, the little Inglewood lifestyle block that Jock and Helen bought 27 years ago has been the perfect base for Jock to run his business from, something he focused on full time after finishing up with the race horses in the mid 90s.

“We have the workshop and forge at home and it’s the ideal place to be to run a farriery business in Taranaki as we’re half an hour to Oakura, half an hour to Hawera and I can cover all of Taranaki, right around Mt Egmont.”

On the road Good Farrier Services covers the entire Taranaki region.

During his career, Jock’s not only shod thousands of horses, but also trained three apprentices who are now out on their own, with his fourth due to sit his final exam to become qualified late August.

“When I’ve been busy in the past I’ve had two apprentices and a qualified farrier working for me, but usually I like to start a new apprentice when the senior one is almost finished. I’ve always enjoyed having apprentices.”

It’s a trade Jock would recommend to young people who are prepared to work hard, but he says it’s a tough industry to crack in to.

“The hardest part is finding someone to work for, so my advice to anyone wanting to make a start is to annoy your local farrier, get as much work experience as you can and if you’re really keen, somewhere along the line, someone will pick you up.”

Having been recently elected as the president of the New Zealand Farrier’s Association (NZFA), one of his key objectives is to encourage more farriers to train apprentices.

“As I’ve had apprentices myself, I want to see the training side of things continue and to help people feel confident about taking young ones on.”

He’ll also work towards getting more people along to NZFA events to continue to promote knowledge sharing and keep improving the standard of farriery in New Zealand.

“I want the standard in the industry to keep improving by getting more people to come along to competitions and seminars and share and learn. I’ve learnt more in the past 20 years, than I did in the first 20 because there are a lot of good people who are happy to share their knowledge.”

Every farrier’s vehicle needs a hand held vacuum to keep it clean and tidy.

At 55-years-old, with his current and quite possibly last apprentice approaching his final exam, the 40 year anniversary on his career looming, and a couple of grandchildren to keep him busy, Jock is slowing down a bit, but is far from talking retirement yet.

“I’m not planning to take on another apprentice myself at this stage, but you never say never. I’ve cut back a bit, we’ve got our bach at Onaero Bay and I’ve got a two-year-old grandson and 12-week-old granddaughter who take up a bit of time, but I plan to keep shoeing as long as the body will let me.”

(Words by Laura Hunt, photos by Ryan Teece)

]]>Jock Good New Zealand Farrier (2)farriersJock's been shoeing horses for 39 years, but has no plans to give it up any time soonJock holds a horse at John Wheeler's stables where he worked in the late 80s and early 90s training racehorsesOn the road Good Farrier Services covers the entire Taranaki regionEvery farrier's vehicle needs a hand held vacuum to keep it clean and tidyGas forgeshttps://farriery.com/2015/10/22/gas-forges/
Thu, 22 Oct 2015 03:40:13 +0000http://farriery.com/?p=1147Continue reading "Gas forges"]]>Gas forge family:

Like any good family, the Whisper family members each display their own individual personalities and strengths while also sharing many similarities. From small to large forges, shoeing, knife making, and art making forges, who would you hire to do the job?

Personality profiles:

Whisper Momma (mother)
Protective: Her solid insulated door keeps heat away from others.
Versatile: She offers many blacksmithing uses. Mothers need to be adaptable.
Warms quickly: Her heart warms quickly, reaching welding temperature in just 3 minutes.
Giving: She comes with a hose, gauge, and regulator. Thanks Mum!
A good listener: She has two open ears (end ports) to listen to your suggestions on how you would like to work your bar stock, whether from either end or 12” in the middle.

Whisper Daddy 3 burner (father)
Gets started easily: Enjoys pushing everyone’s push ignition buttons for a laugh, including his own. He thinks he’s hilarious.
Adaptable: This gas forge comes fitted for propane, but can be configured for natural gas.
Efficient: He has three high efficiency burners to ensure he gets the job done quickly and economically.
Creative: He has a large firebox which he finds great for making a wide range of art objects.

Whisper Daddy 4 burner (father-in-law)
Quick to heat: He has a fiery temper, quickly reaching 2350° F.
Large: The largest in the Whisper family, he weighs 83lbs with a firebox that measures 6″ x 12″ x 12″. But that’s not to say he can’t still get in and out of trucks and trailers easily. He’s not one to mess with, to be honest.
Quick recovery: Not only does he heat and reheat metal very quickly, he also always has a comeback that’s better than yours.

Whisper Baby
Small: The smallest in the family, he is the easiest to carry and transport.
Eats anything: His rear bar stock door allows him to be fed in one end and have it come straight back out the other.
Learns quickly: Despite having only one burner, he has already learnt how to heat quickly to 2350° F.

Whisper Billy (brother)
Gassy: He runs on gas. And it is his brotherly duty to use this to his advantage to embarrass his sister. (He learnt this skill from his father. The rest of the family are also gassy but they tend to keep it to themselves).
Techno-wiz: He fits machine made shoes, large or small.
Economical: His small exhaust lowers his fuel consumption, meaning he has more money to spend on the latest technology.

Whisper Delux (sister)
Adventurous: She enjoys being taken out places, and weighing just 50lbs she pretty much jumps in and out of your truck or trailer.
Sensitive: A typical teenager, a quick push of her button and she gets heated very quickly.
Withdrawn: Her stainless steel door keeps most of that heat bottled up inside.

Lowboy (uncle)
Open: With two open end ports, he is open to new ideas and experiences (like bar stock).
Grounded: With a low profile, he is stable and secure.
Sharp: A smart, talented gas forge with many hobbies, including damascus knife making.

There was a very good turnout of competitors, who came from across the country. A big well done to all of them for competing in such extreme heat. The shoemaking is a big attraction for the general public visiting Leek Show, who where also very keen to watch such talented men and women throughout the day. A big thank you to Mr Michael Handley and Mr Richard Slater for judging the competition. Trevor, Josh and Clare would also like to thank all the sponsors for sponsoring this years event.

It has already been confirmed that the 2014 shoemaking competition has been confirmed for the 26th July 2014. Rosettes, prize cards, trophies, fantastic prizes and prize money.

There are a number of options – curved and wide blade knives with a brass topper and loop knife options including small and large loops incorporating the Beanie Flick groover – used as a clench groover. That is, for digging a small groove in the dorsal hoof wall so the nail can clench tightly into the hoof.

Steven, from Yorkshire, England has won the World Champion Blacksmiths competition at Calgary, Canada four times (to date) which is quite an achievement. He lists his influences in the trade as Hugh Dwyer, Glenn Brooke, Gary Darlow, Darrin Bazin, Richard Ellis, Derek Gardner, Andrew Nickals, Andrew Casserly and Spud Allison.

]]>steven-beane-blogIMG3farriersSteven BeaneHappy Birthday to all the Horseshttps://farriery.com/2013/08/01/happy-birthday-to-all-the-horses/
https://farriery.com/2013/08/01/happy-birthday-to-all-the-horses/#commentsThu, 01 Aug 2013 03:17:57 +0000http://farriery.com/?p=969Continue reading "Happy Birthday to all the Horses"]]>You know that saying “There’s something about the outside of a horse that’s good for the inside of a man”… I recently had a tumble off my horse, after getting my spur stuck on an electric fence, yeah dumb, I know! He zoomed, I felt like a cartoon character and the next thing you know, I was lying flat on my back, waking up from a little snooze. Hospital with bruised kidney and head injury.

Today a whole week from the little bleep in my fabulous riding career (sarcastic note in voice), I was feeding out and just stopped to listen to said horse “Vin” chomp his hay. He muzzled it around, lazily with his eyes half closed and I thought… this… right now, must be one of my most favourite sounds.

And now I realise that concussion, mothers brain and hangovers are all very similar. You start a story and go off in a complete and utter tangent.

Happy Birthday to all the pretty little horses

– Desiree

]]>https://farriery.com/2013/08/01/happy-birthday-to-all-the-horses/feed/3294338_10150768984615187_1582479_n1desireebond294338_10150768984615187_1582479_nFergus is missing two shoeshttps://farriery.com/2013/08/01/fergus-is-missing-two-shoes/
Thu, 01 Aug 2013 02:17:14 +0000http://farriery.com/?p=966]]>We like this Fergus cartoon by Jean Abernethy so wanted to share it with you

“Fergus is missing two shoes this time, Dad”

“Doggone it! Which two?”

]]>fergus613_2farriersFergus lost shoesYou can call us 24 hours a dayhttps://farriery.com/2013/07/17/you-can-call-us-24-hours-a-day/
Wed, 17 Jul 2013 09:28:10 +0000http://farriery.com/?p=961Continue reading "You can call us 24 hours a day"]]>We understand that life can be hectic and that not everybody has the chance to order things from our farrier supplies store during regular business hours.

For those who prefer to order over the phone, we now accept telephone orders 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If you need to talk to us or would like to place an order over the phone, our numbers are 0800 211 212 (NZ), 1800 195 088 (Australia) +64 21 555 213 (internationally)

Stephen Hill runs a successful farriery practise based in Leicestershire. He is a regular competitor in addition to being a Worshipful Company of Farriers Judge and Examiner.

This interview was conducted whilst he was driving home from judging the Best Shod Horse at the Royal Norfolk Show.

Why did you decide to become a farrier?

I used to watch the farrier, William Williams, shoe at home when I was about 14 years old. I am now training his son!

Who (or what) has been your biggest influence or inspiration in your career both within and outside the profession and how?

There are far too many to mention! As an apprentice, Alan Bailey was extremely influential. During my training I watched Ian Allison (‘Spud’) and David Smith (‘Smithy’) compete at the England team trials which was amazing and were the start of my inspiration to compete. And latterly Martin Deacon amongst others.

What’s the most unusual shoeing job that you have done?

Shoeing ‘poitou’ donkeys (giant donkeys) at Hamerton Zoo Park. I currently have a foal there with toe extensions.

What is the funniest incident you have experienced whilst at work?

Funny for others – I was mounted by a laminitic Shetland stallion. He was tied with a short lead as he bit a lot, I was dressing the feet forward and he got hold of the back of my shirt and pinned me against the wall. The owner and a farrier friend with me were hiding in the stable laughing.

If you didn’t become a farrier what do you think you would have done? (If you could do it all again would you be a farrier?!)

Hunt service – a huntsman.

What has been your highest point of your career so far?

Winning Best Shod Horse at Burghley Horse Trials for the third time (with different horses).

What has been the lowest point of your career so far?

Haven’t got one!

What is the biggest regret you have in your career so far?

Not doing my higher exams earlier. I now have a lot going on (four children!) and, as it is harder to make money now as the profit margins have got smaller it is hard finding the time.

What advice would you offer those just beginning their apprenticeship?

Just because somebody tells you to do something one way, question it and ask why.

What advice would you offer those just starting up their own business?

Don’t undersell yourself, do good work for a good price. You are only as good as your last job.

What’s your next goal?

Fellowship and becoming a wealthy land owner!

Why do you participate in farriery competitions?

To better myself and to put my work up to be judged by others. There is no point in not getting any feedback on your work.

What do you think the farriery industry will look like in the next 20 years?

I think the standard of farriery will drop overall. The number of farriers will drop and farriers will be shoeing more horses. As prices are being driven down and input costs remain high, farriers may be driven to shoe more quickly and less conscientiously.

What do you think is the biggest threat to the farriery industry?

Itself. Farriers need to look at their own industry before we look at others, such as “barefooters and the likes of”.

What is your biggest concern for the farriery industry?

That we lose the shoemaking and forging skills we currently have.

What keeps you sane and motivated when you are having a bad day?

My children.

Favourite past time away from hot steel and horses?

Hunting and shooting.

Trick or tip (please provide a trick or a tip, this may be shoeing, shoemaking or trimming or could be getting money out of bad payers or handling nervous horses)

Designed for the forward-thinking farrier, these tool boxes have a compartment for all of the common farrier tools – helping to keep them protected and reduce the damage from other tools.

At the top, there is an area for nail boxes – handy for access when nailing on horseshoes.

A leather knife pocket on the side is suitable for any knife including a safe place for a searcher or speciality knife.

On each side of the box is a spot for two hoof rasps (one on each side). It’s quick and easy to throw the rasp into the box whilst you’re still working underneath the horse.

The three shelves are (like all the other compartments) lined with a rubber inlay to protect the tools and also reduce the clatter of tools on the metal box. These three trays have plenty of space for nippers, pull offs, nail pullers, clenchers and any other farrier tools that are used on a daily basis.

The wheels on the bottom of the box help with portability when shoeing and trimming. It’s easier to drag the box on the wheels rather than lifting.

The build quality of this tool box results in a very practical and aesthetically pleasing piece of kit which any modern farrier should find useful.